Indonesia | Inter - Ministerial Agreement to Empower Small Businesses, Enhance Tourism and Spur Job Creation

Indonesia is actively working to reinforce its tourism sector, setting ambitious goals for this year and beyond and the Ministries of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the Ministry of Tourism have agreed to collaborate to empower small businesses, enhance tourism and spur job creation.

The Ministries signed a memorandum of understanding to synchronize to tourism policies and support for MSMEs, and this inter - ministerial collaboration also aims to prepare a roadmap linked to the national tourism development with the objective to increase the competitiveness of entrepreneurs.

The memorandum aims to optimize the enormous potential Indonesia offering, where local economies can benefit from the increased demand for goods and services linked to the tourism sector.

 This initiative aligns with the country’s long - term strategy to make the tourism sector a central part of its economic diversification. By focusing on the integration of tourism and MSMEs, the government aims to create a holistic approach to development that ensures sustainability.

Tourism - related businesses are seen as key to empowering communities, fostering cultural exchange, and encouraging foreign investment.

The head of MSMEs, Maman Abdurrahman, highlighted the potential of the tourism sector as an engine of growth for small and medium – sized enterprises, and he pointed out that all the Indonesian regions have attractions that can be used for economic development, which justifies a multiplier effect in the creation of jobs and the revitalization of regional economies.

MSMEs Minister emphasized that such collaboration between ministeries and agencies is crucial for the success of the tourism and MSMEs sectors, ensuring a coordinated approach that maximizes both local economic growth and the competitiveness of Indonesian businesses in the global tourism market.

The official was optimistic and projected that tourism will generate around 25.6 million jobs through the opportunities by the more 6.000 tourist villages distributed in Indonesia.

The Minister highlighted that the the development of MSMEs in the tourism villages will be a priority for the government in 2026, which plans to ensure economic growth through the local entrepreneurs and businesses. By leveraging the tourism influx in these villages aims to spur job creation, promote local craftmanship, and support cultural heritage through sustainable business practises.

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/en/news/indonesia-harnesses-tourism-to-empower-small-businesses-and-spur-job-creation/

Malta | VisitMalta Incentives & Meetings Has Launched a New MICE Website

Malta, through VisitMalta Incentives & Meetings (VMIM) has launched a new website dedicated to promoting Malta as MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibtions) destination. 

The new website is designed to provide international MICE - planners with essential information, tools, and connections to local professional suppliers, showcasing Malta’s appeal and modern infrastructure for events.

The platform aims to showcase Malta’s venues, services, and logistical capabilities for MICE events and is part of VMIM’s broader marketing  strategy and activities, which include targeted campaigns, destination discovery programmes and site inspections across various channels to reach key decision - makers in the MICE industry globally.

VMIM operates from Malta and leverages the Malta Tourism Authority’s international network positioning the site as a central contact point to connect international clients with MTA - licensed trade partners, local suppliers and government entities where required. 

The organisation monitors emerging market opportunities and develops partnerships to expand Malta’s MICE activity and also attends international trade shows like IMEX in Frankfurt, IBTM in Barcelona, and IMEX America.

Director of VisitMalta Incentives & Meetings, Alaine Ciantar said that the platform was intended to give planners quick access to information and local expertise. 

The new website is available at : vmim.visitmalta.com 

Link 
https://www.cimunity.com/en/visitmalta-launches-new-mice-website/

Peru | Strengthening Domestic Tourism with New Strategic Alliances

Peru with the aim of strengthening domestic tourism in the country, through PROMPERÚ, the Peruvian Commission for the Promotion of exports has signed new strategic alliances with renowned companies in the sector, as part of its partnershp plan for 2025.

Domestic tourism in the Andean country is a very important resource, it supports 1.7 million jobs, and the country is experiencing a significant growth with spending projected to reach $12 billion by the end of 2025, a 6.5% increase year - on - year according to tourexpi.com. 

This growth is part of a broader trend where the total tourism revenue, including international spending, is expected to reach $23 billion.

Between April and July, the companies Aranwa Hotels, ATSA Airlines, DM Hoteles and Cruz del Sur joined this strategy of alliances for the first time contributing to expand and diversify the tourism offer nationwide.

Likewise, the collaboration with LATAM Airlines, SKY Airline, Atrápalo.pe, Despegar.com and Casa Andina, key allies with whom successful campaigns have already been developed in previous year, was renewed.

A notable addition to the partnership is Cruz del Sur which boasts one of the best coverage of Peruvian bus companies with terminals in most major cities in Peru, a move that marks a milestone by becoming the first interprovincial land transport group to be part of the program, significantly improving connectivity to new destinations and democratizing access to travel.

This strategic alliances have materizalized in joint advertising campaigns between PROMPERÚ and these brands, which have managed to mobilize more than 689.000 tourists between April and the first half of July.

In addition, these actions have made it possible to strengthen the promotion of emerging destinations, such as Apurimac, a department in southern - central Peru, and Huánuco and Pasco, both departments in the centre of the country, boosting tourism in regions very attractive and with a high potential.

The second call for the Strategic Alliances Program was held during the first half of July, and its results will be announced in August. For this second stage of the year, it is projected to mobilize 1 million additional passengers, which is expected to exceed 1.5 million tourists mobilized throughout 2025 thanks to this iniative.

With these actions, Mincetur, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, through PROMPERÚ, reaffirms its commitment to the country's tourism development, promoting accessible, sustainable and authentic travel, which generates economic opportunities in all regions of Peru.

Domestic tourism in Peru has seen substantial growth, with a significant increase in the number of domestic trips per capita compared to other countries in the region thanks to a notable diversification of the destinations, initiatives, campaigns and partnerships that aim to showcase several sites across the country beyond the traditional offering.

Link
https://infoturlatam.com/promperu-fortalece-el-turismo-interno-con-nuevas-alianzas-estrategicas/

Ethiopia | Fundraising Underway for the New Ethiopian Mega - Airport Handling Up to 100 Million Passengers Annually

The African Development Bank (AfDB), a multilateral development finance institution provider to African governments and private companies investing in the regional member countries headquartered in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, has been appointed to secure $7.8 million in financing for a new airport in Ethiopia set to become Africa’s largest when completed in 2029.

A formal signing ceremony is scheduled in Addis Ababa, with the presence of AfDB President Akinwuni Adesina and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

The project is being spearheaded by state - owned Ethiopian Airlines, which will contribute 20% of the total $10 billion cost, with remainder sourced from development finance institutions and other lenders. 

The new Ethiopian mega  - airport is designed to handle up to 100 million passengers annually, the four - runway facility will be located near Bishoftu, a town in Central Ethiopia located in the East Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region, formerly known as Debre Zeyit, the “Mount of Olives”, 47.9 kilometres southeast of the capital of the country Addis Adaba along its route 4 highway. 

The town sits at an elevation of 1.920 metres is located within the Bishoftu volcanic field, highlighted by craters lakes created by volcanic explosions, later filled by water, its boutique resorts which makes it  one of the premium leisure travellers spot in the vicinity of Addis Ababa and also known to serve as the primary airbase of the Ethiopian Air Force.

The new airport is expected to significantly enhance Ethiopia’s aviation infrastructure and it aims to replace Bole International Airport located in the Bole district, 6 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa downtown, which is nearing its maximum capacity of 25 million passengers per year.

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/fundraising-underway-for-new-ethiopian-airport.html

Blue Diamond Resorts | Name Change and Rebranded as Royalton Hotels & Resorts

Blue Diamond Resorts, leading hospitality company headquartered in St. Michael, Barbados with its corporate office in Toronto, Canada, a dynamic group offering unique and innovative experiences in premium beachfront locations across the Caribbean and Mexico, considered the fastest - growing resort resort chain in the Caribbean region, well known to provide personalized services, luxury amenities and excellence in service changed name and it was rebranded as Royalton Hotels & Resorts, consolidating its operations under the name of its flagship Caribbean hospitality brand.

Blue Diamond operates 24 all - inclusive resorts in seven Caribbean destinations and it said the transition reflects the growing recognition of the Royalton brand moving under the name that has defined its guest experience across the region.

The rebrand aims to create a more unified and powerful identity, and while the name has changed but the core values and mission of the group remain at the heart of Royalton Hotels & Resorts.

This change marks a strategic alignment of the brand portfolio, the rebrand also includes repositioning of other hotel brands such as Hideaway as Royalton which is now Royalton Hideaway,, and Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts which is now Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts by Royalton.

The rebranding comes amid a period of expansion for the company. Earlier this year, the group unveiled its Royalton Vessence Resorts offshoot and announced plans for the Royalton Chic Jamaica Paradise Cove.

 President of Royalton Hotels & Resoprts, Jordi Pelfort, called the move “a strategic alignment of the company brand portfolio that highlights the strength and recognition of Royalton". 

Link
https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Blue-Diamond-Resorts-changes-name-to-Royalton?ct=carib

Abercrombie & Kent | Sets Opening Date for Kitirua Plains Lodge Close to Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Abrecombie & Kent, the world’s largest network of luxury destination management companies, an international group founded in 1962 and headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, U.S., renowned for creating innovative, ultra – luxurious and thrilling journeys all over the globe, has set the Kitirua Plains Lodge opening on 1st June 2026.

The lodge is located on a 128 - acre private concession close to Amboseli National Park, a renowned wildlife conservation area in southern Kenya,  a land known for its large elephant herds and views of immense Kilimanjaro, across the border in Tanzania and bewitching visitors with its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.

Located at just ten minutes from the National Park main gate, the property will feature 13 standalone suites offering spectacular views of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro.

There will be 11 standard suites and two - two - bedroom suites, each incorporating natural textures and woven details into their design, and amenities include a spa, a gym and swimming pool.

Guest experiences will include game drives, cultural visits with Maasai communities, hot air balloon excursions and gatherings at the lodge’s outdoor boma area.

Amboseli National Park is renowned for its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and unique ecosystems. Famous for its large elephant herds, the backdrop of Mount Kilimajaro, a large dormant volcano which is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free - standing mountain above sea level in the world.

The National Park is famous for its five distinct habitats include open plains, acacia woodlands, swamps, rocky thorn bush, and marshland which support a wide array of wildlife.

The park is home to the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros) and visitors can also spot wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, and various other mammals, as well as over 400 bird species. 

Underground springs from Kilimanjaro provide water to the swamps, attracting animals even during the dry season, and the dry lakebed of Lake Amboseli provides a unique environment and a contrasting landscape to the lush swamps.

Abrecombie & Kent called Kitirua, “a deliberate departure from traditional tented safari camps” and of its most architecturally adventours properties to date”.

The company added that Kitirua is located in the heart of elephant country, the lodge’s suites provide a “front - row seat to one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes, where herds of elephant roam freely through a timeless wilderness”.

Bookings for the Kitirua Plains Lodge are open. Guests are able to experience the lodge as part of A&K’s Tailor Made journeys or small Group Journeys. 

Rates start at $1.658 per person, per night for seven nights or longer during the lodge’s opening June through October 2026 season.

Link 
https://www.abercrombiekent.com/stays/safari-lodges/kitirua-plains-lodge
https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Abercrombie-Kent-sets-opening-date-Kenya-Lodge?ct=afme

Marriott Executive Apartments | Announced the Opening of a New Property in Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Malaysia

Marriott Executive Apartments, a special brand owned by Marriott International offering an elevated serviced apartment experience in various locations worldwide, has announced the opening a new property in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia and country’s largest city, a vibrant metropolis boasting a rich cultural and historical heritage, a cosmopolitan hub with a blend of modernity and history highlighted by towering skyscrapers, traditional Malay constructions and British colonial - era buildings.

This opening of of Marriott Executive Apartments Kuala Lumpur marks the second location in Malaysia, and this development introduces 353 serviced apartments, making it the largest brand property in the Asia Pacific region, excluding China.

Marriott Executive Apartments is a brand offering upscale, serviced apartments designed for extended stays, typically for corporate travellers. These apartments feature separate living, sleeping and working areas, full kitchens, and in - unit laundry. They also offer amenities like fitness centres, business services, and 24 - hour security.

The new property  catering to business travellers is strategically located in the city centre near Petronas Twin Towers and the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, within a 15 - minute walk of KLCC Park and Pavillon Kuala Lumpur.The convenient location offers easy access to public transportation, including the Suria KLLC LRT Station and Conlay MRT Station, as well as major expressways.

Marriott Executive Apartments Kuala Lumpur range from studios to three - bedrooms units, designed to accommodate both short and long - term stays, all equipped with residential - style kitchens, living and dining areas and in - room washer and dryer facilities.

Accommodation options include studios with views of KLCC Park, one - bedroom aprtments with various views view options, two - bedroom apartments suitable for families or groups, and three - bedroom apartments with expansive city views.

Amenities at Marriott Executive Apartments Kuala Lumpur include a fitness centre, a lap pool, a splash zone for children, event spaces, a rooftop venue for various gatherings and dining options are available at Bistro Kia Peng, which serves Malaysian cuisine.

Link 
https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/kulea-marriott-executive-apartments-kuala-lumpur/overview/
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article137670.html